Former President Donald Trump sells “God Bless America” Bibles on Truth Social.
Source: Truth Society
sports shoes. perfume. Trading cards. Bible.
These are just some of the products Donald Trump is touting as he campaigns against President Joe Biden.
They join a vast catalog of Trump-branded merchandise, from steaks to scented candles, that the businessman-turned-president has licensed over the years.
But as his campaign coffers dwindle and his wealth is threatened, Trump — who has never quite cut off His political career began with his career in finance and is now actively intertwining his business ventures with his White House campaign.
Lawrence Lessig, a professor at Harvard Law School, told CNBC that while “this trend has been going on for years,” “this level of business activity during a presidential campaign is unprecedented.”
Brendan Fischer, deputy executive director of Money Politics watchdog Documented, agreed.
“I can’t think of any other example of a modern presidential candidate touting a range of merchandise for private gain,” Fisher said.
Fisher said that for the average candidate, the activity might trigger a campaign finance investigation, but probably not for Trump, who has been selling branded merchandise long before he entered politics.
“Trump is a unique example,” he said.
On Tuesday, Trump unveiled his latest promotion: a $60 Bible that includes copies of America’s founding documents and country star Lee Greenwood’s hit song “God Bless America.” God Bless the USA), this uniqueness is on full display.
Greenwood has teamed up with Trump to support the high-priced holy book, and the song is a regular at the Republican candidate’s campaign rallies.
In a video announcing his promotion, Trump made his ties to the campaign more explicit, warning that Americans’ rights were at stake and declaring “we’re going to turn this around.” He also repeatedly quoted his campaign slogan “Make America Great Again.”
A person familiar with the matter said it was unclear how much money Trump made from the Bible – which he receives royalties from its sales. New York Times — but whatever he gets, it’s effectively going into his pocket.
Bible.com said it has no affiliation with the Trump campaign. Instead, it used Trump’s name, likeness and image with a paid license from a company called “Trump.” China Investment Venture Capital Co., Ltd..
Trump’s 2023 Budget expose Calls him CIC Ventures’ “manager, president, secretary and treasurer” and lists his revocable trust as the company’s sole owner. Disclosed information shows that Trump earned more than $5 million through the company’s speaking engagements. Florida business records show that CIC’s address is the same as Trump’s golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Lessig noted that Trump’s business initiatives did not appear to violate campaign ethics or financial rules.
“I don’t think there are any ethical issues at all – as long as proper reporting requirements are followed,” the professor said.
“There’s probably a strategic or branding issue, but it’s the same as any political speech,” he added.
A spokesman for the Trump campaign did not immediately respond to CNBC’s request for comment.
Trump’s support for the Bible comes during Holy Week, the eve of Easter and a sacred time for Christians. This is also less than six weeks after Trump visited the United States. sneaker convention Launches his own line of tennis shoes in Philadelphia.
Republican presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump speaks during the launch of a new signature shoe line during the Sneaker Conference at the Philadelphia Convention Center on February 17, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images
Pre-order prices for the Trump sneakers range from $199 to $399. Two of the styles are decorated with the number 45, which refers to Trump’s term as the 45th President of the United States.
The site, which sells sneakers, also advertises Trump’s “Victory47” cologne and perfume, both priced at $99.
“‘Victory’ is the iconic scent of strength and success, presented in a luxurious gold bottle,” the website’s description of the cologne reads.
Trump’s presence at the convention further blurred the lines between campaign propaganda and capitalist enterprise.
“We’re going to turn this country around fast. We’re going to turn it around. We’re going to remember the young people, we’re going to remember Sneaker Con,” he told the crowd. He received a mix of cheers and boos.
The sneaker website said “Trump” and related designs are trademarks of CIC Ventures, and noted that Trump has licensed his name and likeness to a company called 45Footwear LLC.that company is It is said Register in Wyoming, one of the cheapest places to start a business in the country.
The shoes were not designed, manufactured or distributed by Trump or the Trump Organization, according to the website.
As the Biden campaign expands its lead in fundraising over Trump’s political operation, the Republican nominee said, “possible“Putting his own money into the game. He didn’t do that in 2020.”
Trump has days left to post a $175 million appeal bond to halt New York state’s pursuit of a $454 million civil fraud judgment against him. He has posted bail of $91.6 million while appealing a separate civil case in which he was found responsible for defaming author E. Jean Carroll.
Trump also faces 91 criminal charges in four different courts, with the first trial scheduled for April 15. Trump has reportedly spent more than $100 million on legal fees since leaving office in 2021, although none of these costs have come from his own pocket. New York Times.
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